I’m Dr. Celina Miller, a pediatrician with Centegra Physician Care. Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, is a serious respiratory infection that affects people of any age, but is especially dangerous for affected infants, who may suffer permanent disability or … Continue reading →

The stress and anxiety of school can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a spelling test in elementary school or a midterm exam in college, the fear associated with test taking can be an obstacle to success. I’m Dr. Zachary Sikora, licensed … Continue reading →

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the United States. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, is a type of anxiety disorder that affects more than 2 million people nation wide. Symptoms of OCD can make … Continue reading →

This year, national experts recommend everyone older than six months receives a flu vaccination. I’m Dr. Piush Patel, an internal medicine physician with Centegra Physician Care. This year’s flu vaccine consists of one H1N1 strain from last year’s vaccine, plus … Continue reading →

Adolescents can have dangerous heart problems with no symptoms. Do you know whether your teen is at risk for a serious cardiac event?Centegra Health System developed an innovative screening program to help identify significant heart problems in young teens. Teens … Continue reading →

I’m Dr. Ann Dilla, a family practitioner with Centegra Primary Care. I talk to my patients about the importance of wearing helmets every time they get on their bicycles.Bike helmets are the most effective way to reduce head injuries and … Continue reading →

What do you know about heart murmurs in children? A heart murmur is a swishing or whistling sound that is heard over the chest and felt to come from the heart or from one of the blood vessels near the … Continue reading →

Do you have a hard time keeping your family away from junk food and off the couch? Centegra Kids in Motion can help. This fun and energizing program offers a unique way to help seven- to 13-year-olds learn healthy lifetime … Continue reading →

In response to McHenry County’s recent increase in pertussis cases, Centegra Health System reminds adults about the necessity of vaccinations to avoid serious illnesses or death. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious bacterial infection that is spread … Continue reading →

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is usually caused by a blow to the head or by violently shaking the head and upper body.Even if a person doesn’t lose consciousness from a concussion, the brain can still be … Continue reading →

Meg Duellman, a registered dietitian with Centegra Health System, discusses how high-sugar acidic drinks such as pop and fruit juice can lead to tooth decay in children. In addition to tooth damage, these drinks can also add too many calories … Continue reading →

The caring nurses at The Centegra Breastfeeding Resource Center are proud to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with the women of greater McHenry and Kane counties.I work with a team of professionals to support breastfeeding women and their babies. At Centegra … Continue reading →

Help your family beat the heat and stay healthy while you enjoy outdoor activities this summer.To stay hydrated when you’re outside, drink water regularly. Encourage your kids to take water breaks so they stay cool.Use about a shot glass of … Continue reading →

Do you have your eye on a fun time this Fourth of July? Keep in mind these tips to protect your eyes during the summer.Everyone who’s going outside should wear sunglasses. Choose shades that block 100 percent of UV-A and … Continue reading →

We all like to believe that we can handle problems on our own. Though it usually begins as a solution to a problem, substance abuse often turns into a problem itself. As people spend more time, energy and money on … Continue reading →

Are your children getting enough exercise? Exercise should be an important part of every child’s day to stay healthy and avoid childhood obesity.Most kids need at least an hour of physical activity every day. Besides helping them maintain a healthy … Continue reading →

Sometimes infants and children have problems nursing, drinking from bottles, eating or expressing their needs. If your child struggles with any of these areas, ask for help.I’m Dana Conway, a pediatric speech therapist with Centegra Health System. I treat all … Continue reading →

Now that the weather is colder and we’re spending more time indoors, everyone is more susceptible to viruses. This winter, safeguard your health by following a few guidelines.It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Visit Centegra Immediate Care … Continue reading →

Each year, I see hundreds of children who are suffering from middle ear infections.Ear infections often follow colds or other upper respiratory illnesses. The symptoms of an ear infection are more crying than usual, especially when a child is lying … Continue reading →

This year, national experts recommend that everyone older than six months receives a flu vaccination.This year’s influenza vaccine protects against the 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses that researchers believe will be common this season. Experts say that everyone … Continue reading →

Concussions are brain injuries that should be taken seriously. Once a person has a concussion he is at greater risk of sustaining concussions in the future and suffering long-term effects.Early signs of concussion include confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. … Continue reading →

During the colder months, we often hear about ways to avoid the flu. Another respiratory illness that can have serious effects on young children and the elderly is Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV.In the United States, RSV is the most … Continue reading →

Meg Duellman, a registered dietitian with Centegra Health System, discusses how high-sugar acidic drinks such as pop and fruit juice can lead to tooth decay in children. In addition to tooth damage, these drinks can also add too many calories … Continue reading →

Centegra Health System began offering H1N1 vaccinations to the general public in mid-December 2009 at Centegra Immediate Care Centers. Dr. Ted Lorenc, vice president of medical affairs, explains how the current local supply of the vaccine became great enough to … Continue reading →

Dr. Irfan Hafiz, an independent infectious disease specialist on the medical staff at Centegra Health System, discusses ways to avoid colds and flu by washing your hands. He explains the steps to appropriate hand washing and encourages people to carry … Continue reading →

As the leading healthcare provider in McHenry County, Centegra Health System was one of the first to offer H1N1 Vaccination Clinics. This HealthBeat informed area residents about the first phase of H1N1 vaccinations. To begin, clinics were available to people … Continue reading →

Dr. David Halstead, a pediatrician with  Centegra Primary Care, says parents are good judges of whether their children are truly ill. Sometimes, though, it is difficult to determine whether you should send your child to school. Dr. Halstead offers guidelines … Continue reading →

Is it a cold or the flu? Karen Judy, MD, of  Centegra Primary Care says the flu is an upper respiratory infection that occurs most often during the winter months and begins quickly. The flu’s symptoms include a sore throat … Continue reading →

Bedwetting is a common concern among children ages 4 to 16. Joanne Knapik, MD, of  Centegra Primary Care says that 15 to 20 percent of children suffer from this condition, and it is three times more common among boys. Often, … Continue reading →

It is impossible to always avoid getting a cold or the flu. But, Lisa Glosson, MD, of  Centegra Primary Care says a little common sense can help you avoid or minimize illness. To prevent the cold and flu, wash your … Continue reading →